Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mason City, IA (2024 Update)
- Mason City Solar Installation Cost: $27,284
- 25-Year Savings: $35,809
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mason City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Mason City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mason City generally cost about 4.The average Mason City homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,284 with the federal tax credit, or $39,016 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Mason City based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mason City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,567 |
| 3 years | $-22,134 |
| 5 years | $-18,701 |
| 7 years | $-15,268 |
| 9 years | $-11,835 |
| 11 years | $-8,402 |
| 13 years | $-4,969 |
| 15 years | $-1,536 |
| 17 years | $1,897 |
| 19 years | $5,330 |
| 21 years | $8,763 |
| 23 years | $12,196 |
| 25 years | $15,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Mason City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Mason City:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mason City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mason City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Mason City is $27,284, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mason City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mason City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Mason City know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $16,222 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $22,079 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $28,160 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $34,465 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $40,996 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $47,750 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $54,730 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $61,934 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mason City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mason City?
The average cost of solar panels in Mason City is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Mason City have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.